Hand held surgical handle assembly, surgical adapters for use between surgical handle assembly and surgical end effectors, and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,276, which is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/946,082, filed on Nov. 15, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,806,973, which claims the benefit of and priority to each of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/308,045, filed on Feb. 25, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/265,942, filed on Dec. 2, 2009, the entire content of each of which being incorporate herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/758,900, filed on Apr. 13, 2010, which is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,827, filed on Nov. 20, 2009, the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/089,672, filed on Apr. 19, 2011 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,342,379, which is a Divisional Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,362, filed on Sep. 22, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,433), which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/974,267, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/089,473, filed on Apr. 19, 2011, which is a Divisional Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,362, filed on Sep. 22, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,433), which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/974,267, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/090,286, filed on Apr. 20, 2011 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,554, which is a Divisional Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,362, filed on Sep. 22, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,433), which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/974,267, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices and/or systems, surgical adapters and their methods of use. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices, surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and for interconnecting the powered, rotating and/or articulating surgical device or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

One type of surgical device is a linear clamping, cutting and stapling device. Such a device may be employed in a surgical procedure to resect a cancerous or anomalous tissue from a gastro-intestinal tract. Conventional linear clamping, cutting and stapling instruments include a pistol grip-styled structure having an elongated shaft and distal portion. The distal portion includes a pair of scissors-styled gripping elements, which clamp the open ends of the colon closed. In this device, one of the two scissors-styled gripping elements, such as the anvil portion, moves or pivots relative to the overall structure, whereas the other gripping element remains fixed relative to the overall structure. The actuation of this scissoring device (the pivoting of the anvil portion) is controlled by a grip trigger maintained in the handle.

In addition to the scissoring device, the distal portion also includes a stapling mechanism. The fixed gripping element of the scissoring mechanism includes a staple cartridge receiving region and a mechanism for driving the staples up through the clamped end of the tissue against the anvil portion, thereby sealing the previously opened end. The scissoring elements may be integrally formed with the shaft or may be detachable such that various scissoring and stapling elements may be interchangeable.

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lines with proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulating the surgical device. In many instances the surgical devices include a handle assembly, which is reusable, and a disposable end effector or the like that is selectively connected to the handle assembly prior to use and then disconnected from the end effector following use in order to be disposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of the existing end effectors for use with many of the existing surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are driven by a linear force. For examples, end effectors for performing endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures, end-to-end anastomosis procedures and transverse anastomosis procedures, each typically require a linear driving force in order to be operated. As such, these end effectors are not compatible with surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motion to deliver power or the like.

In order to make the linear driven end effectors compatible with surgical devices and/or handle assemblies that use a rotary motion to deliver power, a need exists for adapters and/or adapter assemblies to interface between and interconnect the linear driven end effectors with the rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices, surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and for interconnecting the powered, rotating and/or articulating surgical device or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electromechanical surgical system is provided, comprising a hand-held surgical device, including a device housing defining a connecting portion for selectively connecting with an adapter assembly; at least one drive motor supported in the device housing and being configured to rotate a drive shaft; a power source (e.g., a battery, a fuel cell, a power cord connected to an external power source, etc.) disposed within the device housing for powering the at least one drive motor; and a circuit board disposed within the housing for controlling power delivered from the battery to the motor. The electromechanical surgical system further comprises an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member; and an adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical device. The adapter assembly includes an adapter housing configured and adapted for selective connection to the connecting portion of the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end supported by the adapter housing and a distal end configured and adapted for connection with the end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector; at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to a drive shaft of the surgical device and a second end that is connectable to the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The at least one drive converter assembly of the adapter assembly may include a first drive converter assembly including a first distal drive shaft rotatably supported in the adapter housing, wherein a proximal end of the first distal drive shaft is connectable to the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; a drive coupling nut threadably connected to a threaded distal portion of the first distal drive shaft, wherein the drive coupling nut is keyed against rotation within the adapter housing; and a drive tube having a proximal end connected to the drive coupling nut and a distal end configured for selective engagement with the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector. Wherein rotation of the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device results in rotation of the distal drive shaft. Wherein rotation of the distal drive shaft results in axial translation of the drive coupling nut, the drive tube and the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The first drive converter assembly may include a spur gear keyed to the proximal end of the distal drive shaft; a proximal rotatable drive shaft having a spur gear supported on a distal end thereof and a proximal end connectable to the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a compound gear interengaging the spur gear keyed to the proximal end of the distal drive shaft and the spur gear supported on the distal end of the proximal rotatable drive shaft.

The electromechanical surgical system may further comprise a connector sleeve interconnecting the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device with the proximal rotatable drive shaft of the adapter assembly.

In use, translation of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector results in a closing of the end effector and a firing of the end effector.

The at least one drive converter assembly of the adapter assembly may include a second drive converter assembly including a second proximal drive shaft rotatably supported in the adapter housing, wherein a proximal end of the second proximal drive shaft is connectable to a second rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; a coupling cuff rotatably and translatably supported in the adapter housing, the coupling cuff defining an inner annular race; a coupling slider rotatably disposed within the annular race of the coupling cuff, the coupling slider being threadably connected to a threaded distal portion of the second proximal drive shaft; and a drive bar having a proximal end connected to the coupling cuff and a distal end configured for selective engagement with another axially translatable drive member of the end effector. Wherein rotation of the second rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device results in rotation of the second proximal drive shaft. Wherein rotation of the second proximal drive shaft results in axial translation of the coupling slider, the coupling cuff, the drive bar and the another axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The first distal drive shaft may extend through the coupling cuff such that the coupling cuff is rotatable about the first distal drive shaft.

The electromechanical surgical system may further comprise a connector sleeve interconnecting the second rotatable drive shaft of the device with the second proximal drive shaft of the adapter assembly.

In use, translation of the another axially translatable drive member of the end effector results in an articulation of the end effector relative to the adapter.

The adapter may further comprise a drive transmitting assembly including a third proximal rotatable drive shaft rotatably supported in the adapter housing and having a spur gear supported on a distal end thereof and a proximal end connectable to a third rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; a ring gear rotatably supported in the adapter housing, the ring gear defining an internal array of gear teeth which are engaged with the spur gear of the third proximal rotatable drive shaft; a rotation housing rotatably supported in the adapter housing and being keyed to the ring gear; and at least one rotation transmitting bar having a proximal end connected to the rotation housing and a distal end connected to a distal coupling assembly, wherein the distal coupling assembly is configured to selective connect with the end effector. Wherein rotation of the third rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device results in rotation of the third proximal drive shaft, and wherein rotation of the third proximal drive shaft results in rotation of the ring gear, the rotation housing, the at least one rotation transmitting bar and the distal coupling assembly to rotate the end effector relative to the adapter and about a longitudinal axis defined by the adapter.

The electromechanical surgical system may thither comprise a connector sleeve interconnecting the third rotatable drive shaft of the device with the third proximal drive shaft of the adapter assembly.

The end effector may be configured for endoscopic insertion into a target surgical site. The outer tube of the adapter may be configured for endoscopic insertion into a target surgical site. The outer tube of the adapter may have an outer dimension of approximately 12 mm. The adapter housing may be inhibited from insertion into the target surgical site.

At least one of the first drive converter assembly, the second drive converter assembly and the drive transmitting assembly may be disposed in the adapter housing.

In an embodiment, the end effector and the outer tube of the adapter define an endoscopic portion that is configured for endoscopic insertion into a target surgical site. Each of the first drive converter assembly, the second drive converter assembly and the drive transmitting assembly may be disposed outside of the endoscopic portion.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by the housing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at least one aperture opening into the cavity, wherein the at least one aperture provides an egress for fluid entering the cavity during at least one of a use and a cleaning of the adapter assembly; and at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner housing tube.

The at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The at least one aperture formed in the inner housing tube may include a plurality of apertures disposed along one side of the inner housing tube and extending along a length thereof. The plurality of apertures formed in the inner housing tube may extend substantially in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of apertures formed in the inner housing tube may include apertures disposed on opposed sides of the inner housing tube.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by the housing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at least one aperture opening into the cavity; a distal coupling assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner housing tube, wherein the distal coupling assembly is configured to selectively connect with the end effector; at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner housing tube; and a plurality of seals disposed between the inner housing tube and the at least one drive converter assembly so as to prevent ingress of fluid into the cavity of the inner housing tube.

The at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The plurality of seals may include a first seal interposed between the distal coupling assembly and a drive tube of the at least one drive converter assembly. The first seal may be a bi-directional seal. The bi-direction seal may be an X-ring gasket.

The plurality of seals may include a second seal interposed between the distal coupling assembly and the inner housing tube. The second seal may be a compression sleeve.

The plurality of seals may include a third seal recessed within a proximal bushing of the adapter assembly. The third seal may be one of an 0-ring gasket and an X-ring gasket.

The plurality of seals may include a fourth seal recessed within an inner diameter of the proximal bushing of adapter assembly to ride on an outer diameter of a first distal drive shaft of the at least one drive converter assembly. The fourth seal may be one of an O-ring gasket and an X-ring gasket.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by the housing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at least one heat dissipation feature provided on an exterior surface of inner housing tube; and at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner housing tube. The at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

The at least one heat dissipation feature may include at least one groove formed in the outer surface of the inner tube. The at least one groove may include a plurality of grooves defining a plurality of ridges on the outer surface of the inner tube.

The plurality of grooves may extend annularly about the outer surface of the inner tube.

The plurality of grooves may extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the inner tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a surgical device and adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a connection thereof with an end effector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the surgical device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery for use in the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3, with a housing thereof removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connecting ends of each of the surgical device and the adapter, illustrating a connection therebetween;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3, as taken through 7-7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3, as taken through 8-8 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a trigger housing of the surgical device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a drive coupling assembly of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a distal portion of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10, as taken through 14-14 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10, as taken through 15-15 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 14;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 15;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 14;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of 15;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a coupling cuff of the adapter of FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an exemplary end effector for use with the surgical device and the adapter of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of the outputs to the LED's; selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotation or articulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform a function selected;

FIG. 23 is a first perspective view of an inner housing tube of an adapter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a second perspective view of the inner housing tube of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a first perspective view of an inner housing tube according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a second perspective view of the inner housing tube of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27, is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the inner housing tube of FIGS. 25 and 26, as taken through 27-27 of FIG. 25;

FIGS. 28-30 are enlarged views of the indicated areas of detail of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an inner housing tube of an adapter according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an inner housing tube of an adapter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical devices, and adapter assemblies for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closer to the user.

A surgical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as 100, and is in the form of a powered hand held electromechanical instrument configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors that are each configured for actuation and manipulation by the powered hand held electromechanical surgical instrument.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, surgical device 100 is configured for selective connection with an adapter 200, and, in turn, adapter 200 is configured for selective connection with an end effector or single use loading unit 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 includes a handle housing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediate housing portion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion 104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/or supported on intermediate housing portion 106. Intermediate housing portion 106 and upper housing portion 108 are separated into a distal half-section 110 a that is integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion 104, and a proximal half-section 110 b connectable to distal half-section 110 a by a plurality of fasteners. When joined, distal and proximal half-sections 110 a, 110 b define a handle housing 102 having a cavity 102 a therein in which a circuit board 150 and a drive mechanism 160 is situated.

Distal and proximal half-sections 110 a, 110 b are divided along a plane that traverses a longitudinal axis “X” of upper housing portion 108, as seen in FIG. 1.

Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 112 extending completely around a rim of distal half-section and/or proximal half-section 110 a, 110 b and being interposed between distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110 b. Gasket 112 seals the perimeter of distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110 b. Gasket 112 functions to establish an air-tight seal between distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110 b such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160 are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

In this manner, the cavity 102 a of handle housing 102 is sealed along the perimeter of distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110 b yet is configured to enable easier, more efficient assembly of circuit board 150 and a drive mechanism 160 in handle housing 102.

Intermediate housing portion 106 of handle housing 102 provides a housing in which circuit board 150 is situated. Circuit board 150 is configured to control the various operations of surgical device 100, as will be set forth in additional detail below.

Lower housing portion 104 of surgical device 100 defines an aperture (not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is located beneath or within intermediate housing portion 106. The aperture of lower housing portion 104 provides a passage through which wires 152 pass to electrically interconnect electrical components (a battery 156, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a circuit board 154, as illustrated in FIG. 3, etc.) situated in lower housing portion 104 with electrical components (circuit board 150, drive mechanism 160, etc.) situated in intermediate housing portion 106 and/or upper housing portion 108.

Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 103 disposed within the aperture of lower housing portion 104 (not shown) thereby plugging or sealing the aperture of lower housing portion 104 while allowing wires 152 to pass therethrough. Gasket 103 functions to establish an airtight seal between lower housing portion 106 and intermediate housing portion 108 such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160 are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

As shown, lower housing portion 104 of handle housing 102 provides a housing in which a rechargeable battery 156, is removably situated. Battery 156 is configured to supply power to any of the electrical components of surgical device 100. Lower housing portion 104 defines a cavity (not shown) into which battery 156 is inserted. Lower housing portion 104 includes a door 105 pivotally connected thereto for closing cavity of lower housing portion 104 and retaining battery 156 therein. While a battery 156 is shown, it is contemplated that the surgical device may be powered by any number of power sources, such as, for example, a fuel cell, a power cord connected to an external power source, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, distal half-section 110 a of upper housing portion 108 defines a nose or connecting portion 108 a. A nose cone 114 is supported on nose portion 108 a of upper housing portion 108. Nose cone 114 is fabricated from a transparent material. An illumination member 116 is disposed within nose cone 114 such that illumination member 116 is visible therethrough. Illumination member 116 is in the form of a light emitting diode printed circuit board (LED PCB). Illumination member 116 is configured to illuminate multiple colors with a specific color pattern being associated with a unique discrete event.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing in which drive mechanism 160 is situated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, drive mechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of surgical device 100. In particular, drive mechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to selectively move tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 (see FIGS. 1 and 20) relative to proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300, to rotate end effector 300 about a longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 3) relative to handle housing 102, to move anvil assembly 306 relative to cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300, and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300.

The drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162 that is located immediately proximal relative to adapter 200. Proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162 is a function selection module 163 having a first motor 164 that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 into engagement with an input drive component 165 having a second motor 166.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and as mentioned above, distal half-section 110 a of upper housing portion 108 defines a connecting portion 108 a configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210 of adapter 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, connecting portion 108 a of surgical device 100 has a cylindrical recess 108 b that receives a drive coupling assembly 210 of adapter 200 when adapter 200 is mated to surgical device 100. Connecting portion 108 a houses three rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122.

When adapter 200 is mated to surgical device 100, each of rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 couples with a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200. (see FIG. 6). In this regard, the interface between corresponding first drive connector 118 and first connector sleeve 218, the interface between corresponding second drive connector 120 and second connector sleeve 220, and the interface between corresponding third drive connector 122 and third connector sleeve 222 are keyed such that rotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 with connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200 allows rotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the three respective connector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 are configured to be independently rotated by drive mechanism 160. In this regard, the function selection module 163 of drive mechanism 160 selects which drive connector or connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 is to be driven by the input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 has a keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respective connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200, when adapter 200 is coupled to surgical device 100, rotational force(s) are selectively transferred from drive mechanism 160 of surgical device 100 to adapter 200.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 of surgical device 100 allows surgical device 100 to selectively actuate different functions of end effector 300. As will be discussed in greater detail below, selective and independent rotation of first drive connector 118 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independent opening and closing of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300, and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300. Also, the selective and independent rotation of second drive connector 120 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independent articulation of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 3). Additionally, the selective and independent rotation of third drive connector 122 of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independent rotation of end effector 300 about longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 3) relative to handle housing 102 of surgical device 100.

As mentioned above and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162; a function selection module 163, located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162, that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 into engagement with second motor 166. Thus, drive mechanism 160 selectively drives one of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 at a given time.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 9, handle housing 102 supports a trigger housing 107 on a distal surface or side of intermediate housing portion 108. Trigger housing 107, in cooperation with intermediate housing portion 108, supports a pair of finger-actuated control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130. In particular, trigger housing 107 defines an upper aperture 124 a for slidably receiving a first control button 124, and a lower aperture 126 b for slidably receiving a second control button 126.

Each one of the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130 includes a respective magnet (not shown) that is moved by the actuation of an operator. In addition, circuit board 150 includes, for each one of the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130, respective Hall-effect switches 150 a-150 d that are actuated by the movement of the magnets in the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130. In particular, located immediately proximal to the control button 124 is a first Hall-effect switch 150 a (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet within the control button 124 upon the operator actuating control button 124. The actuation of first Hall-effect switch 150 a, corresponding to control button 124, causes circuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selection module 163 and input drive component 165 of the drive mechanism 160 to close a tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 and/or to fire a stapling/cutting cartridge within tool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

Also, located immediately proximal to rocker device 128 is a second Hall-effect switch 150 b (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 128 upon the operator actuating rocker device 128. The actuation of second Hall-effect switch 150 b, corresponding to rocker device 128, causes circuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selection module 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 to articulate tool assembly 304 relative to body portion 302 of end effector 300. Advantageously, movement of rocker device 128 in a first direction causes tool assembly 304 to articulate relative to body portion 302 in a first direction, while movement of rocker device 128 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction causes tool assembly 304 to articulate relative to body portion 302 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction.

Furthermore, located immediately proximal to control button 126 is a third Hall-effect switch 150 c (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within control button 126 upon the operator actuating control button 126. The actuation of third Hall-effect switch 150 c, corresponding to control button 126, causes circuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selection module 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 to open tool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

In addition, located immediately proximal to rocker device 130 is a fourth Hall-effect switch 150 d (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 130 upon the operator actuating rocker device 130. The actuation of fourth Hall-effect switch 150 d, corresponding to rocker device 130, causes circuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selection module 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 to rotate end effector 300 relative to handle housing 102 surgical device 100. Specifically, movement of rocker device 130 in a first direction causes end effector 300 to rotate relative to handle housing 102 in a first direction, while movement of rocker device 130 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction causes end effector 300 to rotate relative to handle housing 102 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, surgical device 100 includes a fire button or safety switch 132 supported between intermediate housing portion 108 and upper housing portion, and situated above trigger housing 107. In use, tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 is actuated between opened and closed conditions as needed and/or desired. In order to fire end effector 300, to expel fasteners therefrom when tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 is in a closed condition, safety switch 132 is depressed thereby instructing surgical device 100 that end effector 300 is ready to expel fasteners therefrom.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10-20, surgical device 100 is configured for selective connection with adapter 200, and, in turn, adapter 200 is configured for selective connection with end effector 300.

Adapter 200 is configured to convert a rotation of either of drive connectors 120 and 122 of surgical device 100 into axial translation useful for operating a drive assembly 360 and an articulation link 366 of end effector 300, as illustrated in FIG. 21 and as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Adapter 200 includes a first drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting third rotatable drive connector 122 of surgical device 100 and a first axially translatable drive member of end effector 300, wherein the first drive transmitting/converting assembly converts and transmits a rotation of third rotatable drive connector 122 of surgical device 100 to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive assembly 360 of end effector 300 for firing.

Adapter 200 includes a second drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting second rotatable drive connector 120 of surgical device 100 and a second axially translatable drive member of end effector 300, wherein the second drive transmitting/converting assembly converts and transmits a rotation of second rotatable drive connector 120 of surgical device 100 to an axial translation of articulation link 366 of end effector 300 for articulation.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, adapter 200 includes a knob housing 202 and an outer tube 206 extending from a distal end of knob housing 202. Knob housing 202 and outer tube 206 are configured and dimensioned to house the components of adapter 200. Outer tube 206 is dimensioned for endoscopic insertion, in particular, that outer tube is passable through a typical trocar port, cannula or the like. Knob housing 202 is dimensioned to not enter the trocar port, cannula of the like.

Knob housing 202 is configured and adapted to connect to connecting portion 108 a of upper housing portion 108 of distal half-section 110 a of surgical device 100.

As seen in FIGS. 10-12, adapter 200 includes a surgical device drive coupling assembly 210 at a proximal end thereof and to an end effector coupling assembly 230 at a distal end thereof. Drive coupling assembly 210 includes a distal drive coupling housing 210 a and a proximal drive coupling housing 210 b rotatably supported, at least partially, in knob housing 202. Drive coupling assembly 210 rotatably supports a first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, a second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, and a third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 therein.

Proximal drive coupling housing 210 b is configured to rotatably support first, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222, respectively. Each of connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 is configured to mate with respective first, second and third drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100, as described above. Each of connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 is further configured to mate with a proximal end of respective first, second and third proximal drive shafts 212, 214, 216.

Proximal drive coupling assembly 210 includes a first, a second and a third biasing member 224, 226 and 228 disposed distally of respective first, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220, 222. Each of biasing members 224, 226 and 228 is disposed about respective first, second and third rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, 214 and 216. Biasing members 224, 226 and 228 act on respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 to help maintain connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 engaged with the distal end of respective drive rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 when adapter 200 is connected to surgical device 100.

In particular, first, second and third biasing members 224, 226 and 228 function to bias respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 in a proximal direction. In this manner, during assembly of adapter 200 to surgical device 100, if first, second and or third connector sleeves 218, 220 and/or 222 is/are misaligned with the drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100, first, second and/or third biasing member(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 are compressed. Thus, when drive mechanism 160 of surgical device 100 is engaged, drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 will rotate and first, second and/or third biasing member(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 will cause respective first, second and/or third connector sleeve(s) 218, 220 and/or 222 to slide back proximally, effectively coupling drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 to first, second and/or third proximal drive shaft(s) 212, 214 and 216 of proximal drive coupling assembly 210.

Upon calibration of surgical device 100, each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 is rotated and the bias on connector sleeve(s) 218, 220 and 222 properly seats connector sleeve(s) 218, 220 and 222 over the respective drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 when the proper alignment is reached.

Adapter 200 includes a first, a second and a third drive transmitting/converting assembly 240, 250, 260, respectively, disposed within handle housing 202 and outer tube 206. Each drive transmitting/converting assembly 240, 250, 260 is configured and adapted to transmit or convert a rotation of a first, second and third drive connector 118, 120, 122 of surgical device 100 into axial translation of drive tube 246 and drive bar 258 of adapter 200, to effectuate closing, opening, articulating and firing of end effector 300; or a rotation of ring gear 266 of adapter 200, to effectuate rotation of adapter 200.

As seen in FIGS. 13-19, first drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 includes a first distal drive shaft 242 rotatably supported within housing 202 and outer tube 206. A proximal end portion 242 a of first distal drive shaft 242 is keyed to a spur gear 242 c which is configured for connection to a spur gear 212 a keyed to first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, via a compound gear 243. First distal drive shaft 242 further includes a distal end portion 242 b having a threaded outer profile or surface.

First drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 further includes a drive coupling nut 244 rotatably coupled to threaded distal end portion 242 b of first distal drive shaft 242, and which is slidably disposed within outer tube 206. Drive coupling nut 244 is keyed to an inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206 so as to be prevented from rotation as first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated. In this manner, as first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated, drive coupling nut 244 is translated through and/or along inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206.

First drive transmitting/converting assembly 240 further includes a drive tube 246 surrounding first distal drive shaft 242 and having a proximal end portion connected to drive coupling nut 244 and a distal end portion extending beyond a distal end of first distal drive shaft 242. The distal end portion of drive tube 246 supports a connection member 247 (see FIG. 13) configured and dimensioned for selective engagement with drive member 374 of drive assembly 360 of end effector 300.

In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotated, due to a rotation of first connector sleeve 218, as a result of the rotation of the first respective drive connector 118 of surgical device 100, spur gear 212 a of first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 engages first gear 243 a of compound gear 243 causing compound gear 243 to rotate. As compound gear 243 rotates, a second gear 243 b of compound gear 243 is rotated and thus causes spur gear 242 c that is keyed to first distal drive shaft 242, that is engaged therewith, to also rotate thereby causing first distal drive shaft 242 to rotate. As first distal drive shaft 242 is rotated, drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axially along first distal drive shaft 242.

As drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axially along first distal drive shaft 242, drive tube 246 is caused to be translated axially relative to inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206. As drive tube 246 is translated axially, with connection member 247 connected thereto and connected to a drive member 374 of drive assembly 360 of end effector 300, drive tube 246 causes concomitant axial translation of drive member 374 of end effector 300 to effectuate a closure of tool assembly 304 and a firing of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

With reference to FIGS. 13-19, second drive converter assembly 250 of adapter 200 includes second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 rotatably supported within drive coupling assembly 210. Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 includes a non-circular or shaped proximal end portion 214 a configured for connection with second connector 220 which is connected to respective second connector 120 of surgical device 100. Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 further includes a distal end portion 214 b having a threaded outer profile or surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, second drive converter assembly 250 further includes a coupling cuff 254 rotatably and translatably supported within an annular race or recess formed in knob housing 202. Coupling cuff 254 defines a lumen 254 a therethrough, and an annular race or recess formed in a surface of lumen 254 a. Second drive converter assembly 250 further includes a coupling slider 256 extending across lumen 254 a of coupling cuff 254 and slidably disposed within the race of coupling cuff 254. Coupling slider 256 is threadably connected to threaded distal end portion 214 b of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214. As so configured, coupling cuff 254 can rotate about second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, thereby maintaining a radial position of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 relative to first rotatable proximal drive shaft 242.

Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 defines an axis of rotation, and coupling cuff 254 defines an axis of rotation that is spaced a radial distance from the axis of rotation of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214. Coupling slider 256 defines an axis of rotation that is coincident with the axis of rotation of coupling cuff 254.

Second drive converter assembly 250 further includes a drive bar 258 translatably supported for axial translation through outer tube 206. Drive bar 258 includes a proximal end portion 258 a coupled to coupling cuff 254, and a distal end portion 258 b defining a coupling hook 258 c configured and dimensioned for selective engagement with hooked proximal end 366 a of articulation link 366 of end effector 300. (see FIG. 21).

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-19, as drive shaft 214 is rotated due to a rotation of second connector sleeve 220, as a result of the rotation of the second drive connector 120 of surgical device 100, coupling slider 256 is caused to be translated axially along threaded distal portion 214 b of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, which in turn causes coupling cuff 254 to be translated axially relative to knob housing 202. As coupling cuff 254 is translated axially, drive bar 258 is caused to be translated axially. Accordingly, as drive bar 258 is translated axially, with hook 258 c thereof connected to hooked proximal end 366 a of articulation link 366 of end effector 300 (see FIG. 21), drive bar 258 causes concomitant axial translation of articulation link 366 of end effector 300 to effectuate an articulation of tool assembly 304.

As seen in FIGS. 10-19 and as mentioned above, adapter 200 includes a third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 supported in knob housing 202. Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 includes first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 rotatably supported in knob housing 202, respectively, and an internal rotation ring gear 266 supported and interposed between first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264. Each of first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 includes an arm 262 a, 264 b extending distally therefrom and which are parallel to one another and spaced a transverse distance from one another. Each arm 262 a, 264 a includes a boss 262 b, 264 b extending radially inward near a distal end thereof.

Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 further includes a pair of rotation transmitting bars 268, 270, each, connected at a proximal end thereof to bosses 262 b, 264 b of arms 262 a, 264 a, and at a distal end thereof to a distal coupling assembly 230 supported at a distal end of outer tube 206.

Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 includes a ring gear 266 defining an internal array of gear teeth 266 a. Ring gear 266 includes a pair of diametrically opposed, radially extending protrusions 266 b projecting form an outer edge thereof. Protrusions 266 b are disposed within recesses 262 c, 264 c defined in an inner surface of first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264, such that rotation of ring gear 266 results in rotation of first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264.

Third drive transmitting/converting assembly 260 further includes third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 rotatably supported within housing 202 and outer tube 206. A proximal end portion of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 is keyed to third connector 222 of adapter 200. Third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 includes a spur gear 216 a keyed to a distal end thereof. A gear set 274 inter-engages spur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 to gear teeth 266 a of ring gear 266. Gear set 274 includes a first gear 274 a engaged with spur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216, and a second gear 274 b engaged with gear teeth 266 a of ring gear 266.

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-19, as third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 is rotated, due to a rotation of third connector sleeve 222, as a result of the rotation of the third respective drive connector 122 of surgical device 100, spur gear 216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 engages first gear 272 a of gear set 274 causing gear set 274 to rotate. As gear set 274 rotates, second gear 274 b of gear set 274 is rotated and thus causes ring gear 266 to also rotate thereby causing first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 to rotate. As first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264 are rotated, rotation transmitting bars 268, 270, and distal coupling assembly 230 connected thereto, are caused to be rotated about longitudinal axis “X” of adapter 200. As distal coupling 230 is rotated, end effector 300, that is connected to distal coupling assembly 230, is also caused to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of adapter 200.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 13 and 18, adapter 200 further includes a lock mechanism 280 for fixing the axial position and radial orientation of drive tube 246 for the connection and disconnection of end effector 300 thereto. Lock mechanism 280 includes a button 282 slidably supported on knob housing 202. Lock button 282 is connected to an actuation bar 284 that extends longitudinally through outer tube 206. Actuation bar 284 is interposed between outer tube 206 and inner housing tube 206 a. Actuation bar 284 moves upon a movement of lock button 282. Actuation bar 284 includes a distal portion 284 a defining a window 284 b therein. As seen in FIG. 18, a distal end of window 284 b defines a cam surface 284 c.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 18, lock mechanism 280 further includes a lock out 286 supported on distal coupling assembly 230 at a location in registration with window 284 b of distal portion 284 a of actuation bar 284. Lock out 286 includes a tab 286 a extending toward connection member 247 of drive tube 246. Tab 286 a of lock out 286 is configured and dimensioned to selectively engage a cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 of drive tube 246. Lock mechanism 280 further includes a biasing member 288 tending to maintain lock out 286 and tab 286 a thereof spaced away from cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 of drive tube 246.

In operation, in order to lock the position and/or orientation of drive tube 246, a user moves lock button 282 from a distal position to a proximal position, thereby causing cam surface 284 c of actuation bar 284 to engage lock arm 286 and urge lock out 286 toward drive tube 246, against the bias of biasing member 288, such that tab 286 a of lock out 286 is received in cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 of drive tube 246.

In this manner, drive tube 246 is prevented from distal and/or proximal movement. When lock button 282 is moved from the proximal position to the distal position, cam surface 284 c is disengaged from lock out 286 thereby allowing biasing member 288 to urge lock out 286 and tab 286 a thereof out of cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 of drive tube 246.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 12, adapter 200 includes a pair of electrical contact pins 290 a, 290 b for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical plug 190 a, 190 b disposed in connecting portion 108 a of surgical device 100. Electrical contacts 290 a, 290 b serve to allow for calibration and communication of necessary life-cycle information to circuit board 150 of surgical device 100 via electrical plugs 190 a, 190 b that are electrically connected to circuit board 150. Adapter 200 further includes a circuit board 292 supported in knob housing 202 and which is in electrical communication with electrical contact pins 290 a, 290 b.

When a button is activated by the user, the software checks predefined conditions. If conditions are met, the software controls the motors and delivers mechanical drive to the attached surgical stapler, which can then open, close, rotate, articulate or fire depending on the function of the pressed button. The software also provides feedback to the user by turning colored lights on or off in a defined manner to indicate the status of surgical device 100, adapter 200 and/or end effector 300.

A high level electrical architectural view of the system is displayed below in Schematic “A” and shows the connections to the various hardware and software interfaces. Inputs from presses of buttons 124, 126 and from motor encoders of the drive shaft are shown on the left side of Schematic “A”. The microcontroller contains the device software that operates surgical device 100, adapter 200 and/or end effector 300. The microcontroller receives inputs from and sends outputs to a MicroLAN, an Ultra ID chip, a Battery ID chip, and Adaptor ID chips. The MicroLAN, the Ultra ID chip, the Battery ID chip, and the Adaptor ID chips control surgical device 100, adapter 200 and/or end effector 300 as follows:

-   -   MicroLAN—Serial 1-wire bus communication to read/write system         component ID information.     -   Ultra ID chip—identifies surgical device 100 and records usage         information.     -   Battery ID chip—identifies the Battery 156 and records usage         information.     -   Adaptor ID chip—identifies the type of adapter 200, records the         presence of an end effector 300, and records usage information.

The right side of the schematic illustrated in FIG. 22 indicates outputs to the LED's; selection of motor (to select clamping/cutting, rotation or articulation); and selection of the drive motors to perform the function selected.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 21, the end effector is designated as 300. End effector 300 is configured and dimensioned for endoscopic insertion through a cannula, trocar or the like. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 21, end effector 300 may pass through a cannula or trocar when end effector 300 is in a closed condition.

End effector 300 includes a proximal body portion 302 and a tool assembly 304. Proximal body portion 302 is releasably attached to a distal coupling 230 of adapter 200 and tool assembly 304 is pivotally attached to a distal end of proximal body portion 302. Tool assembly 304 includes an anvil assembly 306 and a cartridge assembly 308. Cartridge assembly 308 is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly 306 and is movable between an open or unclamped position and a closed or clamped position for insertion through a cannula of a trocar.

Proximal body portion 302 includes at least a drive assembly 360 and an articulation link 366.

Referring to FIG. 21, drive assembly 360 includes a flexible drive beam 364 having a distal end which is secured to a dynamic clamping member 365, and a proximal engagement section 368. Engagement section 368 includes a stepped portion defining a shoulder 370. A proximal end of engagement section 368 includes diametrically opposed inwardly extending fingers 372. Fingers 372 engage a hollow drive member 374 to fixedly secure drive member 374 to the proximal end of beam 364. Drive member 374 defines a proximal porthole 376 which receives connection member 247 of drive tube 246 of first drive converter assembly 240 of adapter 200 when end effector 300 is attached to distal coupling 230 of adapter 200.

When drive assembly 360 is advanced distally within tool assembly 304, an upper beam of clamping member 365 moves within a channel defined between anvil plate 312 and anvil cover 310 and a lower beam moves over the exterior surface of carrier 316 to close tool assembly 304 and fire staples therefrom.

Proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300 includes an articulation link 366 having a hooked proximal end 366 a which extends from a proximal end of end effector 300. Hooked proximal end 366 a of articulation link 366 engages coupling hook 258 c of drive bar 258 of adapter 200 when end effector 300 is secured to distal housing 232 of adapter 200. When drive bar 258 of adapter 200 is advanced or retracted as described above, articulation link 366 of end effector 300 is advanced or retracted within end effector 300 to pivot tool assembly 304 in relation to a distal end of proximal body portion 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, cartridge assembly 308 of tool assembly 304 includes a staple cartridge 305 supportable in carrier 316. Staple cartridge 305 defines a central longitudinal slot 305 a, and three linear rows of staple retention slots 305 b positioned on each side of longitudinal slot 305 a. Each of staple retention slots 305 b receives a single staple 307 and a portion of a staple pusher 309. During operation of surgical device 100, drive assembly 360 abuts an actuation sled and pushes actuation sled through cartridge 305. As the actuation sled moves through cartridge 305, cam wedges of the actuation sled sequentially engage staple pushers 309 to move staple pushers 309 vertically within staple retention slots 305 b and sequentially eject a single staple 307 therefrom for formation against anvil plate 312.

Reference may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821, filed on Aug. 31, 2009, entitled “TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE” for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of end effector 300.

Since adapter 200 is reusable, prior to each use, at least adapter 200 must be sterilized using known sterilization techniques and methods (e.g., hand-washing, dishwashing and/or then autoclaving using cleaning fluids or the like). During this process, the cleaning fluids (e.g., water, detergent, etc.) may enter adapter 200, including inner housing tube 206 a.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, adapter 200 may be provided with an inner housing tube 206 a including at least one, desirably a plurality of, port hole(s) or aperture(s) 206 b formed therein. As seen in FIG. 23, an array of port holes 206 b is formed in inner housing tube 206 a, wherein the array is oriented to extend in a longitudinal direction along inner housing tube 206 a. Desirably, an array of port holes 206 b may be provided on diametrically opposed sides of inner housing tube 206 a. Additionally, port holes 206 b of the array may be evenly spaced relative to one another. While the array of port holes 206 b has been shown including four (4) port holes 206 b extending in a longitudinal direction, it is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure that inner housing tube 206 a may be provided with an quantity, shape, size and arrangement of port holes or apertures 206 b.

As so configured, any fluid that may have entered inner housing tube 206 a, during the cleaning/sterilization process, has a path for egress. In particular, port holes 206 b allow cleaning fluids to egress from inner housing tube 206 a during or after the cleaning, dishwashing and/or autoclaving process. Additionally, during a drying period of the autoclaving process, the cleaning fluids can drain or evaporate out of inner housing tube 206 a, via port holes 206 b.

Turning now to FIGS. 25-30, adapter 200 may include a plurality of seals or the like which prevent the ingress of any fluids (e.g., cleaning fluids, bodily fluids, etc.) into inner housing tube 206 a. As so constructed, any lubricants (e.g., grease) contained in the interior of inner housing tube 206 a will remain therein during the cleaning/sterilization process.

In particular, as seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, adapter 200 may include a first seal 207 a, in the form of a bi-directional seal (e.g., an X-ring gasket) interposed between distal coupling assembly 230 and drive tube 246. First seal 207 a is configured to maintain pnuemostasis as well as to seal out fluids from entering inner housing tube 206 a.

Adapter 200 may include a second seal 207 b, in the form of a compression sleeve, and X-ring or the like, interposed between distal coupling assembly 230 and inner housing tube 206 a. In addition or alternatively, a seal may be added interior to distal coupling assembly 230 and inner housing tube 206 a and constrained therebetween.

As seen in FIGS. 27 and 29, adapter 200 may also include a third seal 207 c, in the form of an O-ring or X-ring gasket, recessed within a proximal bushing of adapter 200 to seal the interior features of inner housing tube 206 a at a proximal end of inner housing tube 206 a, wherein third seal 207 c is interposed between an outer surface of inner housing tube 206 a and an inner surface of coupling cuff 254.

As seen in FIGS. 27 and 30, adapter 200 may also include a fourth seal 207 d, in the form of an O-ring or X-ring gasket, recessed within an inner diameter of coupling cuff 254 of adapter 200 to ride on an outer diameter of first distal drive shaft 242.

Further, during the closing/opening and firing functions of surgical device 100 and end effector 300, as described above, first drive shaft 242 is rotated to axially displace drive coupling nut 244. During this process, heat can be generated due to the friction between drive coupling nut 244 and first drive shaft 242.

In this manner, inner housing tube 206 a may include heat sinking or heat dissipation features in order to increase heat dissipation during the closing/opening and firing functions of surgical device 100 and end effector 300. The purpose of the heat sinking is to increase the surface area of inner housing tube 206 a in order to dissipate heat more effectively.

In accordance with the present disclosure, heat can be dissipated from inner housing tube 206 a by either conduction and convection.

Conduction takes place according to the following formula for the Rate of Heat Conduction:

${Q_{cond} = {k_{t}A\frac{\Delta\; T}{\Delta\; x}}};$ where:

“k_(t)”=the thermal conductivity of the material, herein aluminum;

“A”=the surface area of the component, herein inner housing tube 206 a; and

${\frac{\Delta\; T}{\Delta\; x} = {{the}\mspace{14mu}{temperature}\mspace{14mu}{difference}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{the}\mspace{14mu}{material}\mspace{14mu}{across}\mspace{14mu}{the}\mspace{14mu}{thickness}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{the}\mspace{14mu}{component}}},$ herein inner housing tube 206 a.

Convection takes place according to the following formula for the Rate of Heat Convection: Q _(conv) =hA(T _(s) −T _(f)); where:

“h”=the convection heat transfer coefficient;

“A”=the surface area of the component, herein inner housing tube 206 a;

“T_(s)”=the temperature of the surface of the component, herein inner housing tube 206 a; and

“T_(f)”=the temperature of the fluid (e.g., air) surrounding the component, herein inner housing tube 206 a.

Accordingly, by increasing a surface area of inner housing tube 206 a, a rate of heat conduction and convection from inner housing tube 206 a should increase. Thus, as seen in FIG. 31, inner housing tube 206 a may be provided with a plurality of annular grooves 206 c formed in an outer surface thereof and extending at least partially along a length thereof. While annular grooves are illustrated, as seen in FIG. 32, it is contemplated that longitudinally extending grooves 206 d may also be formed in the outer surface of inner housing tube 206 a to achieve the same or similar results. Grooves 206 c, 206 d may be of any quantity, shape, size and/or arrangement. Grooves 206 c, 206 d define ridges or ribs along the outer surface of inner housing tube 206 a.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assemblies. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft, the adapter assembly comprising: a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by the housing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at least one aperture opening into the cavity; a distal coupling assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner housing tube, wherein the distal coupling assembly is configured to selectively connect with the end effector; at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner housing tube, the at least one drive converter assembly including: a first end that is connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive member of the end effector; and a plurality of seals disposed between the inner housing tube and the at least one drive converter assembly so as to prevent ingress of fluid into the cavity of the inner housing tube, wherein the plurality of seals includes a first seal interposed between the distal coupling assembly and a drive tube of the at least one drive converter assembly, the first seal being an X-ring gasket.
 2. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of seals includes a second seal interposed between the distal coupling assembly and the inner housing tube.
 3. The adapter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second seal is a compression sleeve.
 4. The adapter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of seals includes a third seal recessed within a proximal bushing of the adapter assembly.
 5. The adapter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the third seal is one of an O-ring gasket and an X-ring gasket.
 6. The adapter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of seals includes a fourth seal recessed within an inner diameter of the proximal bushing of adapter assembly to ride on an outer diameter of a first distal drive shaft of the at least one drive converter assembly.
 7. The adapter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the fourth seal is one of an O-ring gasket and an X-ring gasket.
 8. An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft, the adapter assembly comprising: a housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an inner housing tube having a proximal end supported by the housing, the inner housing tube defining an internal cavity and at least one aperture opening into the cavity; a distal coupling assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner housing tube, wherein the distal coupling assembly is configured to selectively connect with the end effector; at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the inner housing tube, the at least one drive converter assembly including: a first end that is connectable to a first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; and a second end that is connectable to a first axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the first rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the first axially translatable drive member of the end effector; and a plurality of seals disposed between the inner housing tube and the at least one drive converter assembly so as to prevent ingress of fluid into the cavity of the inner housing tube, the plurality of seals including: a first seal interposed between the distal coupling assembly and a drive tube of the at least one drive converter assembly; and a second seal interposed between the distal coupling assembly and the inner housing tube, the second seal being a compression sleeve. 